49ers head back to Atlanta, home of one of their worst losses last year

Last year the San Francisco 49ers were embarrassed by the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta.  The Falcons beat them 45-10.  

This year the 49ers, coming off three straight losses, will look to avenge that loss with a defense who has been struggling.  

There was talk earlier in the week that there were changes to be made and those changes could include the benching of veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes and veteran safety Michael Lewis.  Spikes has denied that is the truth but it is still not known about Lewis and whether he will play.

Right now, the 49ers defense ranks 31st in points allowed per game and 17th in total defense.

Greg Manusky, the defensive coordinator, met with the media today to discuss all things defense.  He doesn't seem to be to worried about his defense not playing well.

"It's amazing, you play New Orleans, you do pretty good against them and everybody's saying its good. Then you go to Kansas City and you don't do well and everybody's saying you're crap. So, it's a long season, it's 16 games. You take them one at a time and that's what we're doing defensively. Hey, you're going to have some bumps in the road, yeah. Across the board we've got to get better coaching and playing. So, that's the mentality that we're taking, one at a time. Let's roll and let's go."

The entire press conference transcript is after the jump.

New 49ers Offensive Coordinator Mike Johnson - Press Conference

The new offensive coordinator Mike Johnson had his first press conference today and had a lot to say.  The entire press conference transcript has been posted after the jump.

It is obvious from the discussion with the media that he plans on getting more players involved and I would not be surprised to see more Brian Westbrook, especially in the spread formations and less of Frank Gore.  

I think it's pretty clear that Mike Johnson has been given the chance to run the offense the way he wants.  I also believe that the promotion of Johnson was not all Singeltary's decision.  There are too many things going on here to suggest that it wasn't.  

That's a different blog post though.

Week 4: Texans @ Raiders - Injury Report (Thursday)

The Raiders are going all Indianapolis Colts on the injury report this week.  The Colts are known for loading up the injury report and it seems the Raiders are doing the same.

Louis Murphy was limited in practice today but all indications is that he will play on Sunday against the Houston Texans.


Injury Report:

Houston

Out: LB Kevin Bentley (knee)
Did Not Participate: WR Andre Johnson (ankle), S Eugene Wilson (hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (hamstring)
Limited Participation: WR Darryl Sharpton (ankle)
Full Participation: LB DeMeco Ryans (quad), DE Mario Williams (groin), LB Xavier Adibi (hamstring)

Raiders

Did Not Participate: LB Ricky Brown (hamstring), S Hiram Eugene (hamstring), OG Robert Gallery (hamstring), LB Travis Goethel (back), DT John Henderson (foot), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), WR Chaz Schilens (knee), CB Jeremy Ware (ankle),
Limited Participation: OG Cooper Carlisle (knee), OG Daniel Loper (knee), OT Langston Walker (elbow), CB Chris Johnson (neck), WR Louis Murphy (collarbone), Richard Seymour (hamstring)
Full Participation: RB Michael Bush (thumb), LB Quentin Groves (ribs), RB Marcel Reece (neck), TE Zach Miller (hip)

Week 4: 49ers @ Falcons - Injury Report (Thursday)

From all reports, it sounds like Ted Ginn Jr. will miss the Atlanta game as well.  Eric Heitmann is also probably going to sit for this game but they should both be back for the Eagles game.


Injury Report:


San Francisco
Did Not Participate: WR Ted Ginn (knee)
Limited Participation: S Dashon Goldson (knee), OC Eric Heitmann (fibula), CB William James (ankle), WR Michael Lewis (ankle), LB Takeo Spikes (knee)


Atlanta
Did Not Participate: LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle)
Limited Participation: S Erik Coleman (knee), WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder)

Week 4: Texans @ Raiders - Injury Report (Wednesday)

Half of the Raiders team is on the injury report.  It's doubtful that most of the players on the DNP list will not play Sunday except for the usual suspects.

Injury Report:

Houston

Out: LB Kevin Bentley (knee)
Did Not Participate: WR Andre Johnson (ankle), WR Darryl Sharpton (ankle), S Eugene Wilson (hamstring)
Limited Participation: TE Owen Daniels (hamstring)
Full Participation: LB DeMeco Ryans (quad), DE Mario Williams (groin)

Raiders

Did Not Participate: LB Ricky Brown (hamstring), S Hiram Eugene (hamstring), OG Robert Gallery (hamstring), LB Travis Goethel (back), DT John Henderson (foot), CB Chris Johnson (neck), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), WR Louis Murphy (collarbone), WR Chaz Schilens (knee), DT Richard Seymour (hamstring)
Limited Participation: OG Cooper Carlisle (knee), OG Daniel Loper (knee), TE Zach Miller (hip), OT Langston Walker (elbow), CB Jeremy Ware (ankle)
Full Participation: RB Michael Bush (thumb), LB Quentin Groves (ribs), RB Marcel Reece (neck)

Week 4: 49ers @ Falcons - Injury Report (Wednesday)

Injury Report:

San Francisco
Did Not Participate: WR Ted Ginn (knee), LB Takeo Spikes (knee)
Limited Participation: S Dashon Goldson (knee, foot), OC Eric Heitmann (fibula), CB William James (ankle), S Michael Lewis (ankle)

Atlanta
Did Not Participate: LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle)
Limited Participation: S Eric Coleman (knee), WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder)

Evaluating Week 3 NFL Picks

I still can't pick games worth a damn against the spread as I went 7-9 this week but I am seeing improvement.  Here's how I did:

Week 3
Against the spread: 7-9
Straight up:11-5

Season totals
Against the spread: 18-27-2
Straight up: 31-16

It's official, Nelson out as head coach

Yesterday at the Golden State Warriors media day, the team announced that Don Nelson is out as the head coach.  Assistant coach, Keith Smart, will take over as the new head coach.

It is being reported that Smart will get a three year deal so it appears that he is the coach moving forward.

The Warriors also announced the new coaching staff, which will include former Warrior Calbert Cheaney, and former Cleveland Cavalier, Mark Price.  They have also brought back Stephen Silas and hired Jerry Sichting and Robert Werdann.

Takeo Spikes says he is still the starter

On Monday, Adam Schefter reported that the San Francisco 49ers were going to bench both veteran defensive starters Takeo Spikes and Michael Lewis.

In Monday's press conference, Mike Singletary denied that report and said he was not sure where that came from.  Then today on Chronicle Live, linebacker Takeo Spikes denied that report.

"I saw that on TV as well, and it was a shocker, a big surprise to me.  "I talked to our head coach, and he immediately shot that down with me by saying, 'I expect you to be our starter this weekend.'

Personally, I was a bit surprised by the rumor that Spikes was going to be benched but not Michael Lewis.  Lewis has started to show his age and his lack of speed hurt the 49ers in the Chiefs game.

I would not be surprised to see Reggie Smith replace Lewis in the starting lineup.  I also suspect that although Spikes will still be the starter, we may start seeing more of NaVorro Bowman especially against teams with more speed.

Trent Edwards not going to the 49ers

There was rumors on Twitter this morning that the San Francisco 49ers could possibly place a waiver claim on former Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards.  It was being suggested that since they are 0-3 there was a good chance they could win the claim.

According to Jason La Canfora, the 49ers did not put the claim in and the Jacksonville Jaguars won the claim.

Thank God!!!

Not quite sure why people would think the 49ers would take Edwards since he is similar to what the 49ers already have in Alex Smith and David Carr.

Giants change up rotation

The San Francisco Giants have changed up the pitching rotation by having Tim Lincecum take Madison Bumgarner's place in tomorrow's start.  The move will allow the Giants to give Bumgarner an extra few days of rest as well as have Lincecum ready for a one-game playoff if it is required.  It will also allow the Giants to pitch against the Padres on Sunday if they need to have him go.

If Lincecum does not go on Sunday then the Giants will likely send Jonathan Sanchez.

Tonight's lineup is after the jump.

Mike Singletary pulls an Andy Reid and fires Jimmy Raye

In a move that is similar to Andy Reid's "Kevin Kolb is our starting quarterback", Mike Singletary fired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye a day after telling the media that Raye would be his coordinator for the rest of the season.

Mike Singletary said that he had no plans in changing the coordinator until late Sunday night when he reviewed some game tape and decided to make the change.

"Well after I got back here I went home, and I said you know what, I'm just going to go back and look at the film.  So, I came back here and basically spent the night here looking at film.  And just kind of looked at the overall view of where we are, and looking at where we need to go, and felt that I needed to make the change.  And so that's really all it was."

Quarterbacks coach, Mike Johnson, will take over as the new offensive coordinator and offensive assistant, Jason Michael, will take over as the quarterbacks coach.

Johnson has never been an offensive coordinator in the past but prior to his time with the 49ers he has been in the NFL for five years.  He was a quaterbacks coach for both the Atlanta Falcons, working with Michael Vick, and with the San Diego Chargers working with Drew Brees, Doug Flutie, Jim Harbaugh, and Ryan Leaf.

In 2008, Johnson was unemployed and spent time traveling around to different college programs studying the spread offense.  He spent time with Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and Ron Zook and his staff at Illinois.

Raiders @ Cardinals Gameday Inactives

The San Francisco 49ers are not helping the Oakland Raiders today and the Kansas City Chiefs look like they are on the way to a 3-0 start.

Here is today's inactives for the Raiders and Cardinals:

Raiders: WR Chaz Schilens, OG Robert Gallery, LB Travis Goethel, QB Kyle Boller (3rd QB), OLB Ricky Brown, FS Hiram Eugene, DT John Henderson, CB Chris Johnson

Cardinals: QB John Skelton (3rd QB), WR Early Doucet, OC Ben Claxton, NT Gabe Watson, LB Alex Hall, CB A.J. Jefferson, CB Brandon McDonald, S Hamza Abdullah

Sunday Giants lineup

It's the final game of this three game series against the Colorado Rockies.  The San Francisco Giants will go for the series win today with Matt Cain (12-10) is on the mound.  The Rockies will send Jorge De La Rosa (8-5) to the mound.

Ross CF
Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Guillen RF
Uribe SS
Sandoval 3B
Cain RHP

49ers @ Chiefs - Inactive Report

No surprises in the inactive report.  Takeo Spikes will suit up but it is not known at this time if he will start.

Here are today's inactives:

49ers: OT Alex Boone, DB Tramaine Brock, WR Ted Ginn Jr., OC Eric Heitmann, WR Jason Hill, DB William James, OT Barry Sims, QB Troy Smith (3rd QB)

Chiefs: LB Charlie Anderson, CB Jackie Bates, FB Mike Cox, DB Reshard Langford, LB Justin Cole, DE Alex Magee, OT Ryan O'Callaghan, DE Tyson Jackson

Week 3 NFL Picks

Last week I went 4-10-1 against the spread and 10-5 straight up.  For the season I am 11-18-2 against the spread and 20-11 straight up.  

It's a good thing I don't gamble....

Tennessee at NY Giants (-3) - Titans coming off an embarrassing loss against the Steelers will go into New York with something to prove.  Giants won't be able to run on the Titans.  Pick: Titans 13-7

Buffalo at New England (-13.5) - This game won't even be close.  The Bills entire offense comes through three good running backs.  Brady gets back on track and throws for 300 yards and stomps the Bills.  Pick: Pats 45-7

Cleveland at Baltimore (-10) - Joe Flacco needs to get on track and who better to get on track against then the Browns.  Pick: Ravens 21-10

Pittsburgh (-3) at Tampa Bay - Both teams have huge question marks; the Steelers are down to their fourth quarterback and the Bucs are riding some major luck.  Pick: Steelers 12-6

Cincinnati (-3.5) at Carolina - The Bengals defense is a bit overrated but with the Panthers going to start rookie QB Jimmy Clausen that just makes it easy for the Bengals.  The Bengals have a good offense and they show it off in Carolina.  Pick: Bengals  24-14

Atlanta at New Orleans (-4) - Saints barely get a win against the 49ers and show that you can run on them.  The Falcons like to run and have a better run game than the 49ers.  Pick: Falcons 17-14

San Francisco (-1) at Kansas City - Alex Smith looked better than he has been but the 49ers consistently get outcoached.  Arrowhead is hard to win at and Singletary is way over his head.  Pick: Chiefs 17-14

Detroit at Minnesota (-10) - The Vikings are getting Percy Harvin with a full week of practice but without a real threat at WR will have a hard time finding last year's offense.  They still win but not a big blowout.  Pick: Vikings 21-17

Dallas at Houston (-3) - The Texans are better than a wild card team they could win their division.  The Cowboys are a bad team with major struggles in the run game.  Arian Foster runs all over Dallas and Schaub has another huge game.  Pick: Texans 35-21

Washington (-3.5) at St. Louis - Donovan McNabb has found his youth.  He throws for over 350 yards and destroys the Rams.  Pick: Redskins 28-7

Philadelphia (-3) at Jacksonville - The Chargers beat the Jags pretty bad and the Eagles are better than the Chargers.  Michael Vick and Lesean McCoy have a huge day.  Pick: Eagles 42-10

Indianapolis (-6) at Denver - The Broncos defense will not be able to stop Manning without their two best corners.  Although, the Broncos offense will have a nice game it will not be enough.  Pick: Colts 37-21

San Diego (-6) at Seattle - Seahawks looked good in week 1 and bad in week 2.  They will look bad again in week 3.  Chargers, without Ryan Matthews, will beat Seattle who will cover.  Pick: Chargers 21-17

Oakland at Arizona (-4) - Raiders got lucky with Gradkowski but he is not the best QB on that team, Campbell is.  Fitzgerald is getting on the same page as Derek Anderson and it will show on Sunday.  Pick: Cards 21-14

NY Jets at Miami (-2.5) - Dolphins own the Jets with the wildcat and with their improved defense can cause problems.  Jets come down from their last week high and lose.  Pick: Dolphins 14-10

Green Bay (-3) at Chicago - Cutler will finally lose a game himself by throwing those interceptions that he is known for and Martz will get him sacked all night long.  Pick: Packers 27-14

Don Nelson resigns as Warriors head coach

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Golden State Warriors' new owners are set to let Don Nelson take the last year of his contract off.  Don Nelson, who is owed $6.2 million, will officially resign on Monday as the head coach and go back to Maui.

All reports seem to suggest that the job has been given to assistant Keith Smart who has been Nelson's head assistant in his second tenure with the Warriors.

It is interesting to note that this move is being made by the new owners, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who have not officially purchased the team from current owner Chris Cohan.  The belief is that the deal will be approved next month at the owner's meetings but that Lacob and Guber wanted this change to take place before training camp opened on Monday.

Although, Lacob and Guber had not officially purchased the team they have had a lot of say in the offseason moves by the Warriors.  They gave the okay on the David Lee trade and extension, and the signings of Dorell Wright, Louis Amundson, Rodney Carney, and Jeremy Lin.

Joe Lacob, the front man of the new ownership group, was not willing to discuss until Monday.

"There'll be clarity on Monday.  That's all I can say right now...."

Lacob did tell the San Jose Mercury News that Keith Smart would be receiving a multi-year contract but it was not clear if that contract would have him as a head coach for the entire duration.

Rolando McClain fined for his body slam

According to Bill Williamson from ESPN, Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain has been fined $5000 for his WWF wrestling move on St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola last Sunday.

Rolando McClain's body slam on Amendola was very similar to the kind of play you would see on NFL Blitz.

San Francisco Giants lineup vs. Colorado Rockies - Game 1 of 3 (Friday)

First game in the series against the Rockies and Bochy rolls with the lineup that put a beating on the Chicago Cubs in the final game.

The Cincinnati Reds are playing the San Diego Padres tonight at 7:05pm.

Fontenot 3B
Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Guillen RF
Uribe SS
Ross CF
Lincecum RHP

Raiders @ Cardinals - Injury Report (Friday)

Injury Report:

Oakland
Out: OG Robert Gallery (hamstring), LB Travis Goethel (back), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Questionable: DT John Henderson (foot), S Hiram Eugene (hamstring), CB Chris Johnson (neck), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring)
Probable: RB Michael Bush (thumb), DT Richard Seymour (hamstring)

Kansas City
Out: WR Early Doucet (groin)
Questionable: WR Steve Breaston (knee), LB Will Davis (head), RB Chris Wells (knee)
Probable: S Hamza Abdullah (hamstring), LB Clark Haggans (heel), DE Kenny Iwebema (knee)

49ers @ Chiefs - Injury Report (Friday)

Injury Report:

San Francisco
Out: OC Eric Heitmann (fibula)
Doubtful: WR Ted Ginn (knee), CB William James (ankle)
Questionable: LB Takeo Spikes (knee)
Probable: RB Anthony Dixon (back)

Kansas City
Doubtful: DE Tyson Jackson (knee), OT Ryan O'Callaghan (groin)
Questionable: S Reshard Langford (ankle)
Probable: DE Wallace Gilberry (back), LB Tamba Hali (foot), S Jon McGraw (hamstring)

Evaluating Week 2 NFL Picks

Well my picks seem to be going downhill.  Hopefully Week 3 will be better.  Picks should be out on Saturday.


Week 2
Against the spread: 4-10-1
Straight up: 10-5


Season totals
Against the spread: 11-18-2
Straight up: 20-11

Giants blowout Cubs 13-0, back in first place for the time being

And their back in first place....for the time being.

The Giants do it again, for the fourth consecutive series the San Francisco Giants turn the last game of the series into a blowout.  The last time the Giants lost the final game of a series was in Arizona on September 8th in a 3-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Since that time the Giants have won 8 out of their last 13 games and only lost a series to the Milwaukee Brewers.  If the Giants could some how figure out how to save those runs on the final game and spread them out over a series then they would be set the rest of the way.

The Giants pitching staff has been nails in the month of September, posting a 1.54 ERA in 19 games.  In those 19 games, the Giants have a record of 12-7 and in the games they lost the differential has been an average of 1.71.  That's where the large issue has been.

The offense has been hit or miss and when I say miss I mean all misses.  I have never seen a team that could blowout a team one night and then get shutout the next and make the starting pitcher look like the second coming of Cy Young.

This team's major problem is that they went from being a small ball team back to a Barry Bond's era team where they live and die with the homerun.  In the games where they typically blowout opponents is games where the team hits a lot of homeruns.

That strategy only leads to trouble and explains the huge differential between the Giants ability to win when they score at least 3 runs and their propensity to lose when they don't.  During this season, when they score the magic "3" runs they are 74-22 and when they don't, they are a whopping 11-45.

Now the Giants take off to Colorado where scoring less than three runs is not an option.  They have their one-two-three pitchers on the mound and they have to put up some rounds for those guys.

Cardinals @ Raiders - Practice Participation Report (Thursday)

Good news on the Oakland Raiders practice front.  Thursday's are usually the most strenuous practice days and to see both Michael Bush and Richard Seymour practicing on Thursday bodes well for their chances this weekend.

For the second day in the row, Michael Bush had full practice participation.  This is a good sign for the Raiders who will likely want to run the ball a lot against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Another good sign is to see Richard Seymour in full participation during practice.  


Practice Report:

Oakland
Did Not Participate: OG Robert Gallery (hamstring), LB Travis Goethel (back), DT John Henderson (foot), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Limited Participation: FS Hiram Eugene (hamstring), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), S Michael Huff (illness), CB Chris Johnson (neck)
Full Participation: RB Michael Bush (thumb), DE Richard Seymour (hamstring)

Arizona:
Out: WR Early Doucet (groin)
Limited Participation: WR Steve Breaston (knee), LB Will Davis (head), RB Chris Wells (knee)
Full Participation: S Hamza Abdullah (hamstring), LB Clark Haggans (heel), DE Kenny Iwebema (knee)

49ers @ Chiefs - Practice Participation Report (Thursday)

Yesterday it seemed like there was no chance that linebacker Takeo Spikes would play this coming Sunday but that ship has not sailed yet.  Defensive coordinator, Greg Manusky still believes that he could play.

If Spikes was unable to go, Manusky said that either Parys Haralson or Manny Lawson could step in and be the backup behind NaVorro Bowman who would start. 


Practice Report:

San Francisco
Did Not Participate: WR Ted Ginn (knee), OC Eric Heitmann (fibula), OG Adam Snyder (no injury), LB Takeo Spikes (knee)
Limited Participation: CB William James (ankle), RB Anthony Dixon (back)

Kansas City
Did Not Participate: DE Tyson Jackson (knee), OT Ryan O'Callaghan (groin)
Limited Participation: S Reshard Langford (ankle)
Full Participation: DE Wallace Gilberry (back), LB Tamba Hali (foot), S Jon McGraw (hamstring)

Week 3: Raiders @ Cardinals Practice Participation Report

Michael Bush had his stitches removed and has the hopes he can go Sunday.  It's not likely he will immediately start but if he can go then he will definitely get the opportunity.  For those in fantasy football, the Raiders running backs should have some huge games against Arizona.




Practice Report:

Oakland
Did Not Participate: OG Robert Gallery (hamstring), LB Travis Goethel (back), DT John Henderson (foot), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Limited Participation: FS Hiram Eugene (hamstring), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), DE Richard Seymour (hamstring)
Full Participation: RB Michael Bush (thumb), CB Chris Johnson (neck)

Arizona:
Limited Participation: WR Steve Breaston (knee), LB Will Davis (head), RB Chris Wells (knee)
Full Participation: S Hamza Abdullah (hamstring), LB Clark Haggans (heel), DE Kenny Iwebema (knee)
Out: WR Early Doucet (groin)

Bruce Gradkowski named starting quarterback of Raiders

Jason Campbell was supposed to be the next Jim Plunkett and was going to bring the Oakland Raiders back from the bottom cellars of the NFL.  That hardly seems likely at this time.  Raiders coach Tom Cable announced that Bruce Gradkowski would be the starting quarterback for this week's contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

Campbell was acquired in the offseason from the Washington Redskins for a 2012 fourth-round pick and at the time it seemed like a good trade.  Most thought Campbell to be a pretty good quarterback who has had Alex Smith type luck with regards to offensive coordinators.

Al Davis even went as far to say that Jason Campbell was the "next Jim Plunkett."

Bruce Gradkowski, meanwhile, has been a fan favorite since the 2009 season where he played in seven games and started four.  In those seven games, he has thrown six touchdowns and three interceptions with a passer rating of 80.6.  In the four games that Gradkowski started for the Raiders in 2009, he went 2-2 and beat the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  If not for an injury, Gradkowski would have been the starter for the rest of the 2009 season.

49ers News and Notes - September 22, 2010

Rookie linebacker NaVorro Bowman will make his first NFL start in place of Takeo Spikes who will be out with an injured knee.

What would the week be without a guarantee from someone on the 49ers.  This week, Vernon Davis has guaranteed victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.

After losing outside linebacker Diryal Briggs to the Denver Broncos practice squad the 49ers signed another outside linebacker, former UCLA Bruin Bruce Davis, who was on the 49ers roster in preseason and who impressed coach Mike Singletary.

In Monday's press conference, Mike Singeltary said that guard Chilo Rachal would get his job back when he returns from his injury but did not guarantee center Eric Heitmann's job.

Former 49er Ronnie Lott explained his conversation with the New Orleans Saints prior to Monday night's game against the 49ers on KNBR.

After creating an interview that has caused quite the national stir, both the 49ers and KPIX have agreed to change the host of the interview.  The segment will still be done with coach Singletary but will now be done with Kim Koyle instead of Dennis O'Donnell.

Week 3: 49ers @ Chiefs Practice Participation Report

The Wednesday practice report is out and RB Anthony Dixon and LB Takeo Spikes are new to the report.  Both of those players did not practice.  

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee said that rookie linebacker NaVorro Bowman is expecting to make the start this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Barrows also mentioned the Mike Singletary admitted that the 49ers are looking for another inside linebacker in the free agent market but have yet to find one.

Practice Report:

San Francisco

Did Not Participate: RB Anthony Dixon (back), WR Ted Ginn (knee), OC Eric Heitmann (fibula), OG Adam Snyder (no injury), LB Takeo Spikes (knee)

Limited Participation: CB William James (ankle)

Kansas City

Did Not Participate: DE Tyson Jackson (knee), OT Ryan O'Callaghan (groin)

Limited Participation: DE Wallace Gilberry (back), LB Tamba Hali (foot), S Jon McGraw (hamstring)

Saints @ 49ers Inactive List

The communication issue has hopefully been resolved.  Jimmy Raye will be in the booth to make the calls down to quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson.  Alex Smith will wear a wristband to make the process easier.

Hopefully, it works out otherwise this will be a long week for Mike Singletary.

Here's the inactives for tonight's Monday Night Football game.

Saints: RB Chris Ivory, CB Patrick Robinson, S Chris Reis, LB Anthony Waters, OT Zach Streif, TE Troy Humphrey, WR Adrian Arrington, DE Junior Galette

49ers: QB Troy Smith, WR Kyle Williams, WR Ted Ginn Jr., CB Will James, OG Chilo Rachal, OC Eric Heitmann, OT Alex Boone

49ers sign CB Tramaine Brock, waive LB Diryal Briggs

With so many question marks about the health of their cornerbacks coming into their Monday Night Football matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Tramaine Brock off their practice squad and waived linebacker Diyral Briggs.

On the 49ers final injury report they listed cornerbacks William James (ankle) and Phillip Adams (hamstring).

Diyral Briggs became expendable after the return of Ahmad Brooks, who missed much of the pre-season and the first regular season game with a lacerated kidney.

Inactive list will be posted once it is made official.

Raiders/Rams Post-Game News

Tom Cable has not made a statement as to who the starting quarterback will be next week.

Jerry McDonald of Bay Area News Group has reactions from the team about the benching of Jason Campbell and other postgame notes.

Bill Williamson of ESPN wraps up the Raiders win over the Rams.  Williamson thinks that the Oakland Raiders should make Bruce Gradkowski should become the new starting quarterback.

Silver and Black Pride's recaps the Oakland Raiders win and gives their report card.

Bruce Gradkowski provided the Oakland Raiders with a spark when he replaced Jason Campbell at halftime.

Darius Heyward-Bey finally had a #1 wide receiver game for the first time in his career.

Rams at Raiders Inactive List

Michael Bush is on the inactive list which is an interesting development based on how this week has gone.  He started of in full participation in practice on Wednesday and then was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday and was questionable on Friday's injury report going into the game.  Now, he is on the inactive list.  You have to wonder if this injury is not more serious than the Raiders are telling everyone.

The fact that OG Robert Gallery and DT Richard Seymour are key losses against the St. Louis Rams.

Here's the inactives for today's Raiders game.

Rams: LB Chris Chamberlain, DB Kevin Dockery, WR Brandon Gibson, OG John Greco, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, CB Justin King, TE Fendi Onobun, DT Clifton Ryan

Raiders: QB Kyle Boller (3rd QB), RB Michael Bush, FS Hiram Eugene, OG Robert Gallery, LB Travis Goethel, DB Walter McFadden, WR Chaz Schilens, DT Richard Seymour

Sunday Giants lineup

Padres are back in first with the San Francisco Giants a .5 game back of first place.  There is no way they can get swept by the Brewers at their house. 

Brewers pitcher Chris Narveson has been pretty impressive in his past 4 starts not giving up more than 2 runs.

Ross CF
Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Guillen RF
Uribe SS
Sandoval 3B
Zito LHP

Week 2 NFL Picks

Hopefully I can do better this week than I did last week.  To recap, I went 7-8-1 against the spread and 10-6 straight up.

Here are my picks, what are yours?

Kansas City at Cleveland (-3) - The Chiefs looked impressive against the Chargers and the Browns are without their starting quarterback, Jake Delhomme.  Chiefs 28-10

Buffalo at Green Bay (-12.5) - Buffalo has no chance in this game.  The game will get out of hand early even without a good offensive line or running back for Green Bay.  Aaron Rodgers throws for 400 yards and Packers win.  Packers 41-7

Baltimore (-2.5) at Cincinnati - This is a pretty good matchup.  Last week the Patriots put the Bengals got worked by the Patriots.  The score was not very indicative of how the game was played out.  I think the Bengals will make a better showing and win.  Bengals 13-10

Pittsburgh at Tennessee (-5) - Steelers are likely without nose tackle Casey Hampton and they go against the Titans who have Chris Johnson and the Titans defense.  Titans 17-6

Philadelphia (-6.5) at Detroit - Kolb is out this week with the concussion and Michael Vick is starting.  Vick should have a good game against the weak Lions defense.  Eagles 15-3

Chicago at Dallas (-7) - The Cowboys offensive woes are still troubling but I will take the Cowboys to win. Cowboys 17-14

Tampa Bay at Carolina (-3) - Carolina owns Tampa Bay and with their excellent run game they will win easy.  Panthers 28-10

Arizona at Atlanta (-6.5) - The Cardinals had trouble beating the Rams last week and now travel to play a good Falcons team.  Falcons will look to recover from their overtime last to Pittsburgh last week.  Falcons win easy.  Falcons 35-17

Miami at Minnesota (-5.5) - Dolphins had trouble putting the Bills away last week and Vikings looked inept offensively against the Saints.  Brett Favre may be regretting his decision to come back.  Dolphins 24-20

St. Louis at Oakland (-3) - The Raiders had trouble protecting Jason Campbell last week and its not going to be much easier this week with Rams defensive line.  Having said that, I think they Raiders defense shuts down the Rams.  Raiders 21-17

Seattle at Denver (-3) - Seahawks looked good last week against the 49ers and they should keep on a roll against the Broncos.  Seahawks 17-10

Houston (-3) at Washington - Texans defense was impressive last week against the Colts and so was their run the game.  Texans looks to open up the passing game.  Texans 28-24

Jacksonville at San Diego (-7) - Chargers offense will improve this week but they still will not cover the spread.  Chargers 14-10

New England Patriots (-3) at NY Jets - Can Revis shut down the "slouch" Randy Moss.  It will be a tough day for Tom Brady against the Jets but the Patriots are a better team and prevail.  Patriots 17-10

NY Giants at Indianapolis (-4.5) - Offense will be a premium for this game.  There is no way the Colts go 0-2.  Colts 35-27

New Orleans (-5.5) at San Francisco - There is problems in San Francisco and they probably are not fixed.  Singletary is slowing losing this team with their failures on the offensive side of the ball.  49ers defense will slow down the Saints but not enough to win the game.  Saints 42-14

Saturday Giants Lineup vs. Brewers

Bruce Bochy has made some serious changes to his lineup.  Pablo Sandoval is back in with Yovani Gallardo on the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Fontenot 2B
Uribe SS
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Sandoval 3B
Guillen RF
Ross CF
Lincecum RHP

Week 2: Saints @ 49ers Final Injury Report

Cornerback Phillip Adams is a game time decision to whether he plays.  If he does not play that could cause some problems for the 49ers in the return game and the secondary.  If William James does not go and Adams cannot play then the 49ers only have three true corners and you would likely see some safeties like Reggie Smith in the cornerback position.

The Adams decision also affects the return game, if he could not go then we would likely see a rotation for Delanie Walker, Dominique Zeigler, and Josh Morgan.

Injury Report:

New Orleans

Out: RB Chris Ivory (knee), OT Zach Strief (knee), LB Anthony Waters (hamstring)

Probable: LB Jonathan Vilma (groin)

San Francisco

Out: OC Eric Heitmann (fibula)

Doubtful: WR Ted Ginn (knee), CB William James (ankle), WR Kyle Williams (ankle), OG Chilo Rachal (stinger)

Questionable: CB Phillip Adams (hamstring)

Probable: LB Patrick Willis (knee, thumb), LB Ahmad Brooks (elbow), OG Adam Snyder (illness), OT Alex Boone (calf)

Monta Ellis grows up and makes amends with Stephen Curry

As the Golden State Warriors media day slowly approaches we know one thing that has changed.  Monta Ellis now see's that he can play with Stephen Curry in the backcourt and they can win.

In an excellent sit-down interview with Sam Amick from FanHouse, Ellis admits that he was wrong when he said last year that the two guards could not play together and the Warriors be successful at winning games.

"Us together? No," Ellis said. "Can't. We just can't. ... Just can't."

Ellis also admits that his wife told him he was wrong right after he said it.

"She told me as soon as I said it that it was wrong.  I didn't let her know at the time that she was right, but she always told me, 'You and Steph can do it. Y'all can do it. Just play together and don't let the outside world destroy y'all because you can win if they put pieces around you.'"

I am sure part of Ellis' excitement is the change in ownership as well.  It's no surprise for him to admit in the story that his relationship with the ownership has been somewhat strenuous.

For the first time in a long time it appears that this training camp may not be as newsworthy as they have been in the past and if your a fan of the Warriors that is good news for you.

Unless, the the new ownership takes over and sends a certain head coach back to Maui.

Week 2: Saints @ 49ers Friday Injury Report

Very interesting that CB Phillip Adams was added onto the injury report.  Hopefully, his hamstring does not get worse before the Monday night game.  There is no way the 49ers can afford for him to not play especially with all those 4 WR sets that the Saints roll out.


Injury Report:

New Orleans
Did Not Participate: RB Chris Ivory (knee), OT Zach Strief (knee), LB Anthony Waters (hamstring)
Full Participation: LB Jonathan Vilma (groin)

San Francisco
Out: OC Eric Heitmann (fibula)
Did Not Participate: WR Ted Ginn (knee), CB William James (ankle), OG Chilo Rachal (stinger), TE Delanie Walker (personal reasons)
Limited Participation: WR Kyle Williams (ankle), LB Patrick Willis (knee, thumb), CB Phillip Adams (hamstring), LB Ahmad Brooks (elbow)
Full Participation: OG Adam Snyder (illness), OT Alex Boone (calf)

Week 2: Rams @ Raiders Injury Report

Good news for the Raiders is that Michael Bush will likely play according to their injury report.  The not so good news is that the already questionable offensive line will lose a starter likely, with Robert Gallery listed as doubtful.


Injury Report:


St. Louis

Out: LB Chris Chamberlain (toe), Michael Hoomanawanui (ankle), Josh Hull (knee)
Doubtful: CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring)
Questionable: DT Clifton Ryan (migraines), CB Justin King (hamstring)
Probable: RB Steven Jackson (knee), DT Fred Robbins (foot), WR Laurent Robinson (ankle), DT Darell Scott (knee)

Oakland

Out: LB Travis Goethel (back), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Doubtful: G Robert Gallery (hamstring)
Probable: DE Richard Seymour (hamstring), RB Michael Bush (thumb), S Hiram Eugene (hamstring), CB Chris Johnson (neck), DT Desmond Bryant (elbow), CB Nnamdi Asomugha (groin)

Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (67-78) @ San Francisco Giants (83-64)

The San Francisco Giants are now in first place!! They made their way from fourth place in the division to first place. This is the first time that they have been in first place this season since May 6th. Amazingly, the last time the Giants were in first place by themselves in the month of September was in 2003, which was incidentally the last time they made the playoffs.

It is the Giants division to take and after an impressive three game series with Los Angeles Dodgers in which pitching was the recipe for success they will need to keep the pitching on a roll and bring the offense that showed up in the final game of the series.

The Giants pitching staff only allowed four runs during the three game series with the Dodgers in which the Giants won 2 out of 3. Interestingly enough, the loss came in the first game of the series where Barry Zito threw a one-hitter and did not give up an earned run.

Although, Zito’s one-hitter was one of the best pitching performances we have seen out of him in a while it does not compare to what happened last night, the third game of the series.

Jonathan Sanchez showed why Brian Sabean and the Giants have been reluctant to trade him even though fans have been clamoring for it to happen, me included, for the past two years. Sanchez threw seven innings with zero walks, yeah I said zero, and had 12 strikeouts. The only other pitcher with more strikeouts in a single game was Tim Lincecum who had 13 on May 4th against the Florida Marlins.

Let’s not forget about Matt Cain who was pretty impressive in his win in game two when he took on the Giant-killer, Chad Billingsley. Cain went seven innings and gave up only three hits. Cain probably could have gone longer but was pinch-hit for in the seventh by Travis Ishikawa who came up with a big hit. Ishikawa was pinch-run for by Emmanuel Burriss who later scored on a Mike Fontenot blooper.

Those three games was probably the best pitching I have seen from the Giants in a long time. The month of September has been pretty impressive too. 14 games into the month of September the pitching staff, including bullpen, has an ERA of 1.94 with a WHIP of 0.863. Compare that to August, when the ERA was at 5.13.

San Francisco Giants Friday lineup

After a 4 for 5 last night with a triple Edgar Renteria is back in the leadoff spot against the Milwaukee Brewers. Hopefully, that his success was a sign of good things to come.

Madison Bumgarner is on the hill to face the Brewers for the second time this year.  The last time he faced the Brewers he went 8 innings with 5 strikeouts and gave up 0 runs in a 6-1 Giants win.


Renteria SS
Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Uribe 3B
Guillen RF
Ross CF
Bumgarner LHP

Vernon Davis Contract Details

Thanks to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com we now have the contract details for Vernon Davis’ contract. The deal is a five-year extension that includes $23 million in guaranteed money with a $10 million signing bonus.

2010: $3.874 million (guaranteed)
2011: $4.708 million (guaranteed)
2012: $5.751 million (guaranteed)
2013: $6.072 million (not guaranteed)
2014: $4.7 million (not guaranteed)
2015: $4.35 million (not guaranteed)

There are also bonuses to be had throughout the contract. From 2011-2015 Davis can get a $200,000 workout bonus and in 2010 he can get $100,000. Also, through 2011-2015 he is eligible for a $400,000 per game ($25,000) roster bonus.

Raiders cut Yamon Figurs, home opener to be blacked out

Who would have thought that the Oakland Raiders would have less drama than the San Francisco 49ers.  The only news coming out of Oakland is a few roster moves and injuries.  So here's the most interesting things going on in Raider land.

• The Raiders have cut kickoff/punt returner Yamon Figurs after he looked pretty bad in those duties against the Tennessee Titans.  Head coach Tom Cable said that both Johnnie Lee Higgins and Jacoby Ford would take over those duties.
• Offensive linemen Robert Gallery and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha sat out today's practice with injuries but it looks like both will play in Sunday's game along with running back Michael Bush who was back participating in practice.
• It's official, the Raiders first home game will be blacked out in the local markets.  It's the first home opener to be blacked out since the 2004 season.

Has Mike Singletary lost control?

A buddy of mine called me today to give me his "conspiracy theory" that the players of the San Francisco 49ers threw Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks to show Mike Singletary that they are tired of being average and want a change.  This request for a change started supposedly around last years Green Bay where they wanted to run the spread offense.


According to the Yahoo Sports article, players again approached coach "Singletary in the offseason to complain about Jimmy Raye and the overall situation."  Changes were made to have quaterbacks coach Mike Johnson take the call from Raye, but not to the actual playcaller, which was and still is Jimmy Raye, who seems to be the problem.


It has also been suggested that many of the quarterbacks in fact like working with Johnson rather than Raye and would rather Johnson be the playcaller.  There is also a rumor out there that Johnson had been alienated from offensive coaches meetings because he was a fan of Nate Davis and Singletary and Raye did not agree with that assessment. 


Today Singletary let it be known how upset he was with the article and the unnamed sources.

"If a man has something to say, he's going to come out and find a way to tell you.  But I don't want to deal with a rat."

It is very important to Singletary to control the information that is outside of the team but even this display seems a bit strange.

He made it clear he was less than thrilled to be spending the day talking about the Yahoo article that stated Jimmy Raye has a hard time making the offensive calls and getting them in on time.


In his weekly KPIX interview with Dennis O'Donnell, the details we thank David White for, he is less than interested in continuing to talk about the article and Jimmy Raye.  In fact, he almost gets to the "I Want Winners" Singletary.

Singletary: The point I'm trying to make is I don't want to talk about the Yahoo deal. It really pisses me off now that I sit here and think about it. We just talked today and I had a press conference today. I don't want to talk about the Yahoo thing anymore. Whoever said it, I don't care who said it, it's over. I want to move forward.

O'Donnell: So there's no truth to it?

Singletary: I want to move forward.

O'Donnell: Let's talk about Alex moving forward into Monday night. In situations where maybe he's not getting a play by a certain amount of time, if he can see ...

Singletary: Alex will be fine Monday night. Watch the game and you will see that Alex will be fine. I don't want to talk about time. I don't want to talk about clock. I don't want to talk about any of that. I want to talk about New Orleans if you want to talk about that.

Then O'Donnell asked Singletary how they planned to try and stop Drew Brees and how they were going to try and move the ball on offense.  Apparently, they are not going to try, they are just going to do.

O'Donnell: OK. Let's talk about trying to stop Drew Brees. 

Singletary: We will not try to stop Drew Brees. We will stop Drew Brees. Next question. 

O'Donnell: Let's talk about trying to move the ball against the New Orleans defense ... 

Singletary: We will not try to move the ball against the New Orleans defense. We will move the ball and we will score.

You know what Singletary, "don't tell me, show me."

San Francisco Giants Thursday Lineup, the water buffalo's are roaming

The "Water Buffalo Defense" is in full effect with tonight's lineup.  It will be interesting to see how Aaron Rowand can handle covering so much ground.  He's no Andres Torres who had a tough enough time covering for the "Water Buffalo's."

Another interesting move is too see Edgar Renteria in leadoff.  Not exactly the speed that you are looking for at the top of the lineup.

Is this lineup really given Jonathan Sanchez the best chance to win?

Renteria SS
F. Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Uribe 3B
Guillen RF
Rowand CF
J. Sanchez LHP

Clinton Portis and Darnell Dockett on Ines Sainz

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis has been known to be quite the character.  In the past, he has dressed like....well I don't know how to describe it but it's not normal.  He has also been known to open his mouth to the media give some unnecessary commentary.

But, that was supposedly going to end.  Portis had said to NBC's Sunday Night Football crew that he has enjoyed staying out of the spotlight and not having so much attention on him.

That did not take long to end.

Tuesday morning, on Clinton Portis' radio show he decided to broach the New York Jets and Ines Sainz scandal.

"You know man, I think you put women reporters in the locker room in positions to see guys walking around naked, and you sit in the locker room with 53 guys, and all of the sudden you see a nice woman in the locker room, I think men are gonna tend to turn and look and want to say something to that woman. For the woman, I think they make it so much that you can't interact and you can't be involved with athletes, you can't talk to these guys, you can't interact with these guys.

"And I mean, you put a woman and you give her a choice of 53 athletes, somebody got to be appealing to her. You know, somebody got to spark her interest, or she's gonna want somebody. I don't know what kind of woman won't, if you get to go and look at 53 men's packages. And you're just sitting here, saying 'Oh, none of this is attractive to me.' I know you're doing a job, but at the same time, the same way I'm gonna cut my eye if I see somebody worth talking to, I'm sure they do the same thing."

 Since these comments the NFL has issued a statement on his comments and Portis has apologized for his remarks.

"I was wrong to make the comments I did, and I apologize. I respect the job that all reporters do. It is a tough job and we all have to work and act in a professional manner. I understand and support the team on these issues."

Darnell Dockett, defensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals, and one not to be outdone by Clinton Portis decided to get involved as well via his Twitter page.

"All I can do is LOL at the jets Female Reporter! She walks into a locker room full of men and think some one not gonna say nothing LMFAO!!!"

"I don't know what was said to her or whatever but u just have to know u going into a TEAM LOCKEROOM, andif its that serious WOMEN STAY OUT!" 

 Ines Sainz, the reporter, has also come out to "defend" herself and the outfit she is wearing.  Probably should have not leaked a picture of what she was wearing.

Wednesday Giants Lineup

Interesting lineup in against Chad Billingsley.  It appears manager Bruce Bochy is tired of seeing his team embarrassed against Billingsley who has ownage on the San Francisco Giants.  In 2010, Billingsley is 2-0 with a 0.61  ERA.

Now for the lineups:

Velez LF
Fontenot 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Uribe SS
Sandoval 3B
Ross CF
Schierholtz RF
Cain RHP

Evaluating Week 1 NFL Picks

Not my best week that I have ever had.  I definitely thought that the San Francisco 49ers would beat the Seattle Seahawks, and the San Diego Chargers to beat the Kansas City Chiefs.  Other than those, no real other surprises.

Against the spread: 7-8-1
Straight up: 10-6

Lineups: Los Angeles Dodgers @ San Francisco Giants - Game 1

I guess Bochy isn't willing to risk his career over Aaron Rowand being successful at the leadoff.  Bochy realizes that if he doesn't get the Giants to the playoffs he is out of here.


Giants:

Ross RF
Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Burrell LF
Uribe SS
Sandoval 3B
Rowand CF
Zito LHP

Dodgers:

Furcal SS
Etheir RF
Blake 3B
Kemp CF
Gibbons 1B
Barajas C
Carroll 2B
Johnson LF
Kershaw LHP

Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (71-73) @ San Francisco Giants (81-63)

For some reason, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants series has been happening all year at a critical point in the season for the Giants. They have been the type of games that are labeled as “must wins” for the Giants and that moniker has never been truer statement at this point of the season.

The Colorado Rockies are 9-1 in their last 10 games and prior to last night’s game they had won 10 in a row. They are now in process of making their annual push to the playoffs.

What a bunch of jerks for not just laying down like the lowly Dodgers.

The San Diego Padres meanwhile are imploding; they should have run away with this division but in the interest of making things interesting for the month of September they decided to lose 10 games in a row. The Padres are now 5-5 in their last 10 games and could be in the process of losing their chance to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Giants are 7-3 in their last 10 games and just took 3 out of 4 from the Padres in San Diego and now sits a half a game behind the Padres. While the Rockies and the Padres are beating each other the Giants will need to walk all over the Dodgers and hopefully take sole control of first place.

But, that is easier said than done.

With Ted Ginn out, 49ers sign Jason Hill

The injury to wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. appears to be more serious than originally thought.  Ginn sprained his MCL during the Seahawks game on Sunday and is expected to miss the Monday night game and more.  With Ginn not playing that would have given the 49ers only healthy three wide receivers (Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Dominique Ziegler).  The 49ers fifth wide receiver, Kyle Williams is also injured and will not play.

With the injury to Ginn the 49ers made a move.  They signed Jason Hill, a receiver who drafted by the 49ers in 2007 and recently cut by the 49ers.  They also had to cut cornerback Tramaine Brock from the 53-man roster to make room for Hill and they cut linebacker Bruce Davis from the practice squad in hopes of signing Brock to the practice squad.  

With Ginn not able to play Mike Singletary will likely have cornerback Phillip Adams return punts and have wide receiver Josh Morgan return kicks.

Tom Cable Press Conference

Thanks to Jerry McDonald below is a transcript of Cable's press conference with the local media.  The transcript is after the jump.

The largest issue for the Raiders was their offensive line. The o-line was unable to give Jason Campbell anytime as well as some issues between Jared Veldheer and Jason Campbell on the shotgun snap. Cable seemed to suggest that their could be changes coming on the line.

Cable didn't give any update on running back Michael Bush but did say that he would info on Wednesday.

Changing Jimmy Raye's location will not change anything

Even though the theme of the 49ers training camp this offseason was getting better it seems that the follow through on that idea has failed.  Not only did the 49ers not look better than they finished the season last year, they possibly even looked worse.

The 49ers offensive coaches have made what is possibly the easiest thing today in coaching, the hardest.  More than once in yesterday's game Jimmy Raye and Mike Johnson were having trouble getting the play call to Alex Smith which caused Smith to have to burn three timeouts early in the first half of which two were on the same drive in crucial third down situations.  On the second field goal drive the 49ers had a delay-of-game penalty on a 4th and 1 play.  This was the play where head coach Mike Singletary had chosen to go for it but after the delay of game decided to kick a field goal.

These type of issues are ones that happen in pre-season and should be cleared up by Week 1 and these are not the type of issues that a playoff team has.

Singletary said, in today's press conference, that they will look at the situation and make changes if necessary.  Some of those changes could include bringing Jimmy Raye down to the field so that he can call the plays directly to Alex Smith and they could avoid having the middle man, quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson.

"We will take a look at it and we will have an answer for it..."

What's to take a look at?  Your offensive coordinator is completely failing at the easiest part of his job and definitely failing at calling plays.

Having Jimmy Raye on the sideline is not going to solve the problem.  If he is not calling the plays quickly enought this issue will still prevent itself and will be a continual story-line.  Many teams have their offensive coordinator in the booth but somehow manage to get the plays called in a timely manner.

49ers are not NFC West champs yet

The 49ers were expected to run away with the NFC West, possibly the worse division in the NFL this year. Apparently, someone forgot to tell the Seahawks about this.

The Seahawks showed up and embarrassed the 49ers. It sure did not look like the 49ers had 11 defensive starters that were in their fourth year of playing together and that Alex Smith was in his second year of the same offensive system. In fact, it looked like Alex Smith was a rookie quarterback and that he was in a new offensive system. Not a system that he was supposed to be comfortable with.

Lately, we all have been told that Smith was finally maturing as a quarterback and felt comfortable with the playbook. Also, we were being told how he had built rapport with his wide receivers in the offseason.

Yesterday's game sure didn't look like that.

Smith was obviously not on the same page with star wideout Michael Crabtree. Twice Smith threw to Crabtree and the results were two interceptions, one for a touchdown. Whether it was Crabtree's or Smith's fault is anybody's guess and the answer depends on who you ask.

Smith threw for 225 yards with a passer rating of 52.5 but just like last year he seems to be only to put up yards when offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye gives up on the run game and puts Alex in the spread offense.

That plan is not going to work if you want to be a smash mouth team like Singletary suggests. Smith is going to have to be under center for Frank Gore to be the runner that they need.

The coaching still seems to be the issue and the question now for 49ers fans is if Mike Singletary is the right guy. It seems he has said all the right things to have the players and the fans believe but can he get the results.

Could Singletary be in over his head?

Successful NFL head coaches do not have to worry about the play 49erscall getting to the quarterback on time.

It is week 1 and even the best teams have trouble and that is why the Monday night game against the Saints is so huge. It is unlikely that the 49ers win but if they can put up a good showing then the fans will likely be back in Singletary and Smith's corner.

If they don't have a good showing it will be hard to see how they can beat what looks like a good Chiefs team on the road. After the Chiefs, then they play the Falcons on the road, the Eagles and Raiders at home. We could be talking about a 1-6 team if Singletary doesn't get this turned around.

That would likely be the end of his tenure as the 49ers head coach and the end of Alex Smith's chances as a starting quarterback.

Warriors sign Louis Amundson to two-year deal

According to multiple reports, the Warriors have finally come to agreement with power forward Louis Amundson. There had been much speculation that they were looking to add Amundson but finally the move has been made.

The deal is estimated to be a two-year deal worth about $5 million.

This is a good deal for the Warriors who get an energy guy to come off the bench and get rebounds which was lacking in last year’s team. Amundson can also shoot a bit and should be able to do pretty well in a Don Nelson system. Amundson will likely be the third big man off the bench behind Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric.

Amundson has played for Utah (1 game), Philly (26 games), and been with Phoenix for the past two seasons and played almost every game. In his career he averaged 4.0 points and 3.6 rebounds a game.

Torres out 10-14 days

Going into Sunday’s game the Giants were ready to take three out of four from the Padres and leave San Diego in a tie with the Padres for the NL West division lead. What they didn’t plan was to find out that their leadoff hitter and possible Gold Glove recipient, Andres Torres would be put on the DL and out possibly for the rest of the regular season.


Torres had to have emergency appendectomy surgery on Sunday and will miss at least 10 days.


This leaves a huge whole for the Giants. Torres was their leadoff hitter and only speed guy on a team of slow aging veterans. The only other option they have to use as a leadoff hitter, besides Aaron Rowand, is speedster Darren Ford but he was not brought up to do anything but serve as a pinch runner.


Torres also allowed manager Bruce Bochy to play both Jose Guillen in right field and Pat Burrell in left field as he could cover some serious ground.


Rowand does not give that same opportunity.


So far Bruce Bochy hasn’t decided what he is going to do to replace Torres’ offense and defense but their options at outfielder definitely do not offer what they had in Torres. Bochy could go with Cody Ross who is a very good defensive outfielder that could play all three positions but his hitting has not been impressive. Another option is September callup Darren Ford but it is likely that Bochy does not trust him. Aaron Rowand is another option but his numbers have been awful since he was hit in the head by Dodger pitcher Vincente Padilla and is not an improvement over Ford or Ross so it’s hard to see how he becomes the starter.

Giants/Padres Sunday lineup

Andres Torres gets the day off and that means Aaron Rowand is in the leadoff spot.  At this point, I would rather see Darren Ford start over Rowand.

Giants

Rowand CF
Sanchez 2B
Huff 1B
Posey C
Guillen RF
Burrell LF
Sandoval 3B
Uribe SS
Lincecum RHP

Padres

Durango CF
Eckstein 2B
Tejeda SS
Gonzalez 1B
Torrealba C
Headley 3B
Ludwick RF
Venable LF
Latos RHP

Week 1 Pre-game Notes: Raiders @ Titans

It seemed that during the week that Michael Bush was going to be able to play this week, after all he was practicing even though it was limited.

Here is the inactive list for the game:

Oakland

QB Kyler Boller (3rd QB)
RB Michael Bush
WR Chaz Schilens
WR Nick Miller
G Bruce Campbell
DT Desmond Bryant
LB Travis Goethel
CB Walter McFadden

Tennessee


QB Rusty Smith (3rd QB)
WR Lavelle Hawkins
OL Mike Otto
OG Ryan Durand
DE William Hayes
LB Rennie Curran
S Robert Johnson
S Nick Schommer

Injury Report:

Oakland

Out: LB Travis Goethel (lower back), CB Walter McFadden (hamstring), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Questionable: DT Desmond Bryant (elbow), RB Michael Bush (thumb),

Tennessee

Out: OT Mike Otto (knee)
Questionable: Colin Allred (ankle), DT Tony Brown (knee), C/G Leroy Harris (ankle), DE William Hayes (knee)
Probable: DE Jacob Ford (knee), WR Justin Gage (hand)

Week 1 NFL Picks

I blew it for the first game and did not post my pick in time for the Saints/Vikings game but I would have taken the Saints (-5) and been wrong.  So to start I am 1-0 straight up and 0-1 against the spread.

Here are my picks, what are yours?

- San Francisco (-3) at Seattle: 49ers go up to Qwest Field and get their first win of the season.  Big win for them as they are expected to win the NFC West.  Seattle is bad all over and 49ers win by 10. 49ers 27-17

- Tennessee (-6.5) vs. Oakland: The Raiders are improved but Jeff Fisher is going to make sure that the Titans are not going to start 0-6.  Raiders also have some questions about their rush defense and that could mean Chris Johnson has a huge game.  Titans 31-17

- Carolina (+6.5) at New York Giants: Carolina beat the Giants last year and I have some serious questions about the Giants defense.  Giants 21-17

- Miami (-3) at Buffalo: The Bills are still bad and Miami has a new toy, Brandon Marshall.  Dolphins 28-9

- Atlanta (-1.5) at Pittsburgh: The Steelers will be starting Dennis Dixon at QB and although he is a nice player he will not be able to get a victory here.  Falcons 21-10

- Detroit (+6.5) at Chicago: Two bad teams meet each other.  If the Lions can get to Cutler then they will win big.  Bears still not have found a decent wide receiver and they have Martz as their offensive coordinator.  Lions 14-10

- Cincinnati (+5) at New England: Bengals have some weapons on offense and the Patriots are a question mark but    the Pats are at home.  I don't see how the Bengals could come in and win.  Patriots 27-24

- Tampa Bay (-3) vs. Cleveland: Browns will be the worst team in the league this season.  Mangini is not a good head coach and Delhomme is not the answer at quarterback.  Tampa Bay is a better team and win easily.  Buccaneers 10-3

- Denver (+3) at Jacksonville: Kyle Orton has had a great pre-season and although they are likely not as good as last year they should be able to beat a team that just can't get it done in the Jaguars.  Broncos 10-7

- Houston (+2) vs. Indianapolis: Texans are finally going to get over the hump and beat the Colts with Arian Foster having a huge game.  Texans 34-31

- Green Bay (-3) at Philadelphia: The Packers are probably the best team in the NFC and the Eagles have some questions at QB.  Packers 42-17

- Arizona (-3.5) at St. Louis: This could be the battle of last place for the NFC West.  The Cardinals are starting Derek Anderson and the Rams will have many growing pains.  Low scoring game with a lot of turnovers. Cardinals 12-3

- Dallas (-3) at Washington: Just like when McNabb was with the Eagles he doesn't have a lot of options.  The Cowboys win in DC.  Cowboys 14-10

- Baltimore (+2) at New York Jets: The Jets are extremely overrated and Sanchez looks awful.  The Ravens meanwhile have gotten much better.  Ravens 17-14

- San Diego (-5) at Kansas City: Chiefs are bad and so are the Chargers as they lost their three best players from last year.  The AFC West is awful but someone has to win the game.  Chargers walk over the Chiefs.  Chargers 20-10

49ers sign Vernon Davis to extension

The 49ers have announced that they have signed TE Vernon Davis to a five-year contract extension.  The deal is reportedly worth $37 million which includes $23 million in guarantees.  If these contract numbers are correct, this contract will make Davis the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.

2009 was a big year for Vernon Davis who emerged as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.  Quite the turnaround for the former Maryland Terrapin who was kicked off the field the year before by interim head coach (at the time) Mike Singletary.

Prior to the 2009 season, Vernon Davis was made a captain by head coach Mike Singletary which at the time was a questionable move based on what happen the previous year.  It turned out to be a good move as Davis ended the season with 13 touchdown catches which tied Antonio Gates NFL record.  Davis led the 49ers in receiving with 78 catches for 965 yards as well as making his first Pro Bowl.  At this point of his career he is considered by many as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season he was likely going to get a big payday.

Davis is the second of their young stars to be extended as the 49ers recently extended middle linebacker and defensive captain Patrick Willis to a five-year extension.  The Niners have ten more players that contracts will expire at the end of the season including quarterback Alex Smith and safety Dashon Goldson.  The 49ers will likely not work on an extension for Smith until after the season based on how he performs.  Goldson appears to be a up and coming star and recently signed on with Drew Rosenhaus in an effort to make sure he gets paid.